Leopard strays into godown, attacks labourer

A leopard that strayed into a raw silk godown in Bellikothanur in the outskirts of Kanakapura town has been tranquilised and captured by forest officials.

The leopard entered the storeroom where a labourer, Dodda Thimmaiah, was fast asleep. Thimmaiah was woken up by its growls and began screaming as the wild cat charged at him.

Jagadish, a farmer who owns the godown, opened the room and rescued Thimmaiah, while managing to lock it with the leopard inside.

Thimmaiah was rushed to the hospital with gashes to his torso and bite marks near the ears. He is said to be out of danger.

With news of the leopard trapped in the godown spreading like wildfire, farmers from across Kanakapura gathered before the storehouse, making it harder for the police and forest officials to capture the wild cat.

The animal attacked Kiran, a bystander, who tried peeping in through an open window of the godown. He suffered minor injuries in the attack.

Forest officials and veterinarians from the Bannerghatta National Park tranquilised the animal on Saturday morning by firing a dart through the open window. The unconscious leopard was then taken to Channapatna for observation. The police said the animal may soon be released into the wild after the veterinarians complete their medical examination.